'preannounce' originates from Latin, specifically the prefix 'prae-' meaning 'before' and the verb 'annuntiare' meaning 'to announce'.

'annuntiare' transformed into the Old French word 'anoncier', and eventually became the modern English word 'announce'. The prefix 'pre-' was added to form 'preannounce'.

Initially, it meant 'to announce beforehand', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.